Can-end-soldering apparatus.



exam AV AXILABLE 'C No. 785,484. PATENTED MAR. 21, 1905. 0. s. FELLOWS & A. B. HOPKINS.

CAN END SOLDERING APPARATUS.

APPLIOATION FILED NOV. 24,1903.

7 SHEETSSHEET l.

A PEST AVAILABLE No. 785.484. PATENTED MAR. 21, 1905.

0. s. FELLOWS & A. E. HOPKINS,

CAN END SOLDERING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 24,1903.

'7 SHEETSSHBET 3.

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AVNLABLE Cf?" PATEN'TED MAR. 21, 1905. 0. s. FELLOWS & A. E. HOPKINS.

CAN END SOLDERING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 24,1903.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 4- 7 SHBETS-SHBET 5.

PATENT-ED MAR. 21, 1905. 0. s. FELLOWS & A. E. HOPKINS. CAN END SOLDERING APPARATUS.

AVNLA 0v APPLICATION FILED NOV: 24,1903.

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FATENTED MAR. 21, 1905.

AVAXLABLE O. S. FELLOWS & A. E. HOPKINS. CAN END SOLDERING APPARATUS.

APPLICATIOI\ FILED NOV. 24,1903.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

PATBNTED MAR. '21, 1905. O. S. FELLOWS & A. E. HOPKINS.

CAN END SOLDERING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 24,1903.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 7.

BEST AVAILABLE COP UNITED STATES Patented. March 21, 1905.

PATENT OFFICE.

OLIN s. FELLOWS AND ARGHIBALD E. HOPKINS, oE MIDDLETOWN,

NEW YORK.

CAN-END-SOLDERING APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 785,484, dated March 21, 1905.

Application filed November 24, 1903. Serial No. 182,469.

To (all whmn it ntay concern:

Be it known that we, OLIN S. FELLOWS and AROHIBALD E. HoPKINs, citizens of the United States,residingatMiddletown,Orange county, and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Can-End- Soldering Apparatus, of which the following is a specification, suflicient to enable others skilled in the art to which the invention appertains to make and use the same.

Our invention relates to apparatus for soldering the end plates of sheet-metal cans to the can-bodies; and it consists in the special construction and arrangement of parts hereinafter described and claimed specifically.

One object of our invention is to maintain the alinement of all parts of the apparatus so as to insure a proper immersion of the can for its entire circumference through the entire length of the solder-bath, thereby avoiding imperfections in soldering that have heretofore resulted from the warping of the parts under the relatively high temperature at which the solder-bath has to be maintained. In this connection may be noted our method of regulating the temperature of the solder-bath with accuracy with relation to the requirements of the particular size of can under treatment in the apparatus, the parts of the latter being made adjustable, as hereinafter set forth, to accommodate different sizes of cans. ()ur fire-box is also of novel form, including a partition arranged to hold the heated gases away from the unyielding base.

Another feature of our invention is the use of a yielding pressure-rail for the upper ends of the cans, so constructed as to adapt itself automatically to any slight variation in the length of the cans and to exert a positive downward pressure against the cans to maintain the contact of the lower ends of the cans with the supporting guide-rail, thereby insuring a proper depth of immersion for all the cans, and consequently a uniform takeup of solder. Heretofore the top guide-rails, even when made adjustable, have been held rigidly in position during use, simply confining the cans within a given space by exerting no pressure thereon excepting upon cans of undue length, which would bind between the upper and lower guide-rails and clog the runway, a difficulty avoided in our'apparatus by the yielding pressure-rail.

In order to hold the cans down firmly against the runway as they pass over it, we use a series of gravity-rollers in connection with the can-forwarding belt, said gravityrollers being pivotally supported in such manner as to be free to adapt themselves to the cans as the latter pass underneath the forwarding belt while holding the belt taut againstand between the cans. We also employ one or more automatic tension-rollers upon the forwarding-belt, acting in conjunction with but in opposition to the gravityrollers for the purpose of counterbalancing the tendency of the lower or forwarding surface of the belt to sag unduly. Thus the forwarding-belt is not only held against possible contact with the solder-bath, but suificient frictional contact between the belt and the carrying pulleys is maintained to insure against slip or irregularity of motion. Thus, also, by using tension-rollers upon the upper or retractile surface of the belt of a weight proportionate to the diameter of the cans to be treated the pressure of the gravity-rollers on the lower or forwarding surface of the belt may be so regulated as to avoid possibility of injury to the canbodies while affording the requisite degree of tension.

It is obvious that in lieu of a series of tension-rolls of different weights one or more adjustable tension devices may be substituted, if preferred, the essential feature of our invention in this connection consisting in the use of a counterpoisc or weight arranged to counteract more or less the downward pressure of the gravity-rollers on the can-forward-v ing surface and to keep the latter taut and approximately in a straight line parallel to the surface of the solder-bath.

We are aware that pivoted weights have been used in connection with can-forwarding chains; but such weights are not the equiva lent of our gravity-rollers used in con unction with a fiat can-forwarding surface or belt,

since by our combination an even uniform pressure is exerted on each can and all danger of injury thereto is avoided. A series of weights extending over a long forwardingsurface, such as herein shown, would create too much frictional resistance and cause the belt to slip on its carriers and would necessitate an increase in the motive power. W e are also aware that rollers with fixed journals have been used; but these obviously cannot perform the same function as our freely-suspended gravity-rollers, which can yield to the cans as they pass. Furthermore, we are aware that spring-rollers have been used in connection with forwarding-chains, and we expressly disclaim any such arrangement, which it is our object to avoid. Our rollers are journaled and suspended upon arms pivotally attached to a rigid support, the suspending-arms being of such length that the gravity-rollers trail along the can-forwarding surface and are free to ride over the inclines caused by the cans as they pass underneath, the point of pivotal suspension of each gravity-roller being-in the rear of its journal, so as to insure the greatest possible freedom and delicacy of movement of the rollers over the can-forwarding surface.

For the purpose of preventing an excess of solder on the cylindrical sides of the can we form the lower edge of our runway with an antiripple-flange, which projects into the solder-bath and by displacing the solder at a point below the edge of the runway avoids the agitation of the solder-surface that would otherwise be caused by the rapid passage of the cans, resulting in waves or ripples that are apt to carry the solder above the edge of the runway.

We maintain the proper level of solder within the solder-trough by means which are antomatic and adjustable to meet the requirements of the different sizes of cans treated in the apparatus. The novelty in this connection consists in actuating the solder feed mechanism by motion derived directly from the can-forwarding mechanism, so that the rate of feed will be governed by and in proportion to the number of cans passed over the solder-bath under ordinary conditions of use. Furthermore, by providing means for varying the amount of solder thus fed automatically to the bath we are able to regulate the same with relation to the size and requirements of thecans to be treated, so as to compensate with accuracy for the amount of solder taken up by the cans as they pass over the bath.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a front elevation of our improved soldering apparatus; Fig. 2, a rear elevation of the same; Fig.3, a longitudinal section taken upon a vertical plane extending through the center of the solder-trough, certain parts being shown in elevation. Fig. 4 is a view illustrating a modification of the means for automatically maintaining the tension of the can-forwarding belt. Fig. 5 is a plan of the apparatus. Fig. 6 is a front elevation, Fig.7 a rear elevation, and Fig. 8 a side elevation, of one of the gravity-rollers. Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating the action of the gravity-rollers. Fig. 10 is a plan taken in the direction of the arrow, Fig. 24, showing the abutting ends of two sections of the inclined runway. Fig. 11 is a detail view looking in the direction of the arrow, Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a detail view showing the adjustable support for one of the forwardingpulleys. Fig. 13 is a section on plane of line 13 13, Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a top view of the solder-trough; Fig. 15, a central longitudinal section thereof; Fig. 16, a view of the under side of the same. Fig. 17 is a sectional view, upon an enlarged scale, taken upon plane of line 17 17, Fig. 16. Fig. 18 is a top View of the fire-box with the solder-trough removed. Fig. 19 is a view of the opposite end pieces of a fire-box. Fig. 20 is an edge view of one of the front plates of the fire-box. Fig. 21 is an elevation of the same. Fig. 22 is a sectional view, upon an enlarged scale, of one of the front plates, showing a damper-plate in position. Fig. 23 is an elevation of the inside of one of the rear plates of the fire-box. Fig. 24 is a transverse section, partly in elevation, of the apparatus, upon an enlarged scale, on plane of line 24 24, Fig. 1. Fig. 25 is a similar view taken upon plane of line 25 25, Fig. 1.

Fig. 26 is a rear elevation of the automatic solder-feed. Fig. 27 is a side elevation of the same. Fig. 28 is adetail elevation of the solder-carriage. Fig. 29 is a section upon plane of line 29 29, Fig. 28, on an enlarged scale. Fig. 30 is a transverse section of the soldertrough, inclined runway, and supporting-rail, showing means of adjustment. Fig. 31 is an end elevation of the apparatus; Fig. 32, a top view, upon an enlarged scale, of a portion of the gravity-roller bar; Fig. 33, a section upon plane of line 33 33, Fig. 32.

B is an inflexible base, preferably of channel-iron, to which the fire-box F and soldertrough S are rigidly secured by means of bolts 5 or equivalent means.

The fire-box F is made in sections, consisting of front and rear plates f f and end plates f One vertical edge is formed with a flange f which overlaps the abutting end of the adjoining plate, as will be seen clearly by reference to Fig. 18. The front plates f are formed with damper-openings f, over which may be placed plates or covers f as shown in Fig. 22. The plates f may be used to regulate the heat underneath the solder-trough where there is any tendency to overheat and being added at points where there is a tendency to fall below the temperature required. The rear plates f are formed with perforations f E for the escape of the gaseous products of combustion. All the fire-box plates are formed at the bottom with I of fprojections f 7 for contact with the upper surface of the inflexible base B, thereby forming ielongated openings f between the lower edges of said fire-box plates and the upper surfaces lof the said base for the admission and circui lation of air below the horizontal partition M, iwhich constitutes the bottom of the comb usition-chamber. This partition M is supported lupon flangesf upon the inner sides of the dire-box plates and is formed with perforations m for the admission of the burners a, the inflexible base'B being also in like manner formed with perforations 7/ for the accommodation of said burner-tubes a.

The solder-trough S rests directly upon the upper edges of the fire-box plates f f f its flanges s projecting beyond the said fire-box plates, so that the bolts t may be placed external of the fire-box, said bolts thus binding rigidly together the solder-trough, fire-box, and inflexiblebase B, as will be understood by ircference to Fig. 2d. l The solder-trough S may be made in two or lmore sections, the abutting ends being formed with flanges s 8 which overlap, as shown in Fig. 17 These flanges s s are secured together, preferably, by the use of screw-bolts .8 the bolt-holes s in the outer flange s being elongated or enlarged sufficiently to com' )ensate for expansion between the parts, as shown in said Fig. 17.

.The burners a project from the horizontal tubes A, whichare supplied with air and gas by the pipes g and 9 through the medium of the union G. The tubes Aare supported by the inflexible base B by any means which will ;admit'of adjustment vertically, so as to regui ate the distance between the upper ends of the burners a and the under surface of the solder-trough S. In the drawings the pipes ,-A are shown as resting upon the stirrups L isupported by nuts -5 upon the screw-rods b, projecting from the under side of the inflexi- {ble base B. It is obvious that other mechanical expedients may be resorted to in effecting the vertical adjustment of the burners, and we 310 not confine ourselves to the means herein shown, since any contrivance which will regulate the position of said burners with relation to the under side of the solder-trough S will answer the purpose. I

V R isthe inclined runway, over which the cylindrical bodies of the cans C roll with their lower ends in contact with the supportingirail D. Both the runway R and the support- ;ing-rail D are made in two or more sections, the drawings showing them divided into four "ections each, the abutting ends of which rest [loosely against each other. The several sections of the runway R and of the supportingrail D are secured to the flanges s s by means which will admit of their lateral adjustment thereon for the purpose of increasing or diminishing the width of the soldering slot 8 formed by and between the opposed inner seer AVAILABLE 8 edges of the runway and the supporting-rail.

Means for effecting these adjustments may consist of set-screws r, projecting through slots 9" in the base-plates r of the runway R, and set-screws (Z, passing through slots (1 in the supporting-rail D, as shown, or of any other preferred form of mechanism.

The extreme lower edge of the runway It is formed on its'under side with an 'antiripplerib for the purpose of displacing the solder,

which would otherwise be apt to wash up onto the cylindrical bodies of the cans, especially when the latter are traveling at a high rate of speed.

H is the top pressure-rail, suspended upon the runway R by screw-rods 71., the lower ends adjusts or limits. Thus the position of the top pressure-rail H may be adjusted to any length of can desired, while leaving it free to conform to slight variations or irregularities in length or form of can under treatment that is to say, we use a free top pressure-rail which, while yielding to the cans, tends constantly by its weight to force the cans downward against the supporting-rail D, and thereby insure the proper immersion of the lower edges of the cans in the solder-bath. This top guard H is made in two or more sections independently and adjustably supported, as before stated. The forward end of each section is formed with an extension or shoulder 7L2, which overlaps the rear end of the next preceding section, as shown clearly in Figs. and 11, so that the rear end of one section will lift the front end of the next succeeding section in case a can of irregular shape or length forces the guard-rail upward. By this means the sections are kept in alinement, so

that the forward end of a succeeding section can by no possibility protrude into the path of the cans.

J-is an endless can-forwarding belt traveling over pulleys jj in the usual manner, except that the said pulleys are adjustable both vertically and horizontally to meet the requirements of the different sizes of cans for which the other parts of the apparatus may be set. The horizontal adjustment of the pulleys jy" is preferably eflected by making the supporting'standar(ls K adjustable upon the upper face of the inflexible base B by any suitable means, as by the set-screws kl: passing through the slots is in the foot-plate k of each of said standards K. Provision is made for adjusting the pulleys jj vertically by mounting them upon arms E, clamped to studs upon the standards K, these arms E carrying the pulleyjournals. The driving-pulley a is mounted upon the hubof the beltpulley On the rear of the belt-pulley y" is formed or attached a cam f which at each revolution of the pulley 7" engages the lever-arm Z of the rock-lever L,which is fulcru med upon the inner end of the shaft N. This shaft N carries a ratchet-wheel n, with which engages a springpawl Z upon the short arm Z of the rock-le ver L. The short arm I of the lever L is held against an adjustable stop by a retractile spring Z, except when the cam 7' is in contact with the lever-arm Z, in which case the lever L is rocked so that the spring-pawl 1" ad- Vances the ratchet-wheel a a distance prescribed by the stop 0that is to say, the stop 0 regulates the length of contact of the cam 7' with thelever-arm Z, and therefore the degree to which the lever L is rocked.

A cord (1 is secured to the hollow shaft N, which is utilized as a drum for said cord. The shaft N is provided with a crank-handle w", by which it may be turned in a direction opposite to that in which the shaft is turned by the ratchet-wheel a when unwinding the cord g from the shaft N, the handle being provided for the purpose of rewinding the cord upon the shaft. The cord (1 extends from the shaft N over pulleys q 1 under apulley tupon the solder-carriage T, and thence to the ceiling or other elevated part to which it is secured. The solder-carriage T is held upon the track or guide plate U by flanges If in such manner that it is free to slide thereon. It is provided with a hook it for the support of the bar of solder u. The track-plate is supported upon the standard V or any stationary support.

It will be seen that by the rotation of the belt-pulley j the cam 1' acting, through the rock-lever L, upon the ratchet 11 will cause the latter to release or unwind a portion of the cord (1 equivalent to the number of ratchetteeth moved. This unwinding of the cord 9 allows a corresponding descent of the soldercarriage T and solder u, the pulley t reducing the motion one-half and rendering it smooth and uniform. Thus by regulating the position of the stop 0 more or less solder may be fed to the bath, according to the requirements of the size of can under treatment.

P P are a series of gravity-rollers pivotally connected with the horizontal bar W, which is supported ad justably on the standards X, which are themselves adjustable vertically upon the inflexible base B, as will be seen by reference to Fig. 2. This vertical adjustment of the standardsX and the lateral adjustment of the horizontal bar V is for the purpose of regulating the position of the gravity-rollers P with relation to the forwarding-surface of the belt J. The journals upon which the rollers P rotate, are connected by the arms with the pivots p fitting in the holes 71:, formed for their reception in the horizontal lilo i3ET i-WNLABLE GOA bar \V. These arms are of suflicientlength to cause the gravity-rollers P to trail along over the forwarding-surfacewith their journals p considerably in the rear of the pivots 3 p thus insuring freedom and delicacy of movement on the part of the rollers in adjusting themselves to the forwarding-surface, as the cans pass successively underneath.

'4 represents stops arranged upon the horizontal bar \V to limit the downward movement of the gravity-rollers P and to support them in the absence of the cans.

The tendency of the gravity-rollers P is to increase the frictional contact of the forwarding-surface with the cylindrical bodies of the cans by depressing said forwarding-surface more or less between the cans, as indicated 1 diagrammatically in Fig. 9, thus insuring a positive forwarding of each can and preventing bunching. We are aware that pivotally supported weights have been used in connection with a i can-forwarding chain; but such weights and l chains are not the equivalent of our pivotallysupported rollers trailing on a broad flat forwarding-belt. By the use of the rollers in! connection with the broad-surfaced forwarding-belt we protect the can against jar and injury by reason of sudden impact and insure a smooth, even, gradual, and uniform pressure of the broad forwarding-surface against the{ cylindrical bodies of the cans. It will be seen by reference to Fig. 9 that the peripheral sur- 1 faces of the rollers travel in the same direction as the peripheral surfaces of the cans, and that consequently the can-bodies encounter the resistance afforded by the rollers grad ually and gently and are relieved from such resistance in like manner, so that the bumping, knocking, or pounding of the can-bodies is an impossibility. At the same time the gradual gentle elevation and depression of the rollers successively as the can-bodies pass under the broad surface of the forwarding-belt creates a deflection of the belt between adjacent rollers, as shown in Fig. .9, thereby maintaining the perfect timing and alinement of the cans.

It is obvious that the cans of larger diameter are less able to sustain the pressure of this frictional contact than those of smaller diameter, and as we have designed our apparatus for the soldering of various sizes of cans we provide means for regulating and counteracting automatically the pressure exerted by the gravity-roller P indirectly on the can-bodies. Means which may be employed for the purpose are one ormore tension-regulators acting upon the upper or retractile portion of the forwarding-belt J. Thus one or more tension-rolls Y of a desired weight may be used, different Weights of tensionrolls being provided for different sizes of cans. By way of illustration two of these are shown in the drawings journaled upon arms 3 which are pivotally supported on the standards K.

It is obvious that other forms of tension devices may be substituted for the tension-rolls shown-such, for instance, as one or. more spring tension devices Y, (illustrated in Fig. t) in which provision is made for increasing or diminishing the pressure exerted upon the belt J-and we do not, therefore, limit ourselves in this respect, the essential feature of our invention in this connection being the combination and use, in conjunction with the gravity-rollers acting upon the lower or forwarding portion of the belt, of means for exerting a counterbalancingpressure upon the upper or retractile portion of the belt.

Heretofore more or less difficulty has been experienced in soldering machines by the warping of the parts, especially of the soldering-trough, causing unevenness in the dip and in the amount of solder taken up by the cans. It is desirable that the run of the cans should be absolutely level for the full length of the soldering-bath in order to attain uniform results with a minimum of heat and solder. W hen the parts are level and accurate, the cans can be effectually soldered with less heat and less solder and with a shorter run than where the latter is rendered irregular and uneven by reason of the warping or buckling of the parts. It will be seen that. as herein set forth, we provide for the natural expansion of the parts by means which obviate all danger of warping and buckling, and we are thus enabled to attain better results with a shorter run or solder-bath.

Another feature that contributes to the general result is the maintenance automatically of the level of the solder within the solderingtrough by the feed actuated indirectly by the forwarding-surface, since the parts can be so regulated and adjusted that a prescribed amount of solder may be added to the bath for a given length of forwardingsurface, and thus the feed of solder may be proportioned to the size of the can to be treated.

Our yielding top-pressure rail is of importance in that it is the first top-pressure rail arranged to press the cans downward positively against the supporting-rail, thereby insuring the same degree of immersion for each run of cans whether above or below the normal length, as well as for a run of cans that are of normal length, such variations, though slight and caused only by difference in thickness of metal composing the end plates, being suflicient in the case of a run of shorter cans to afford a looseness or play between the supporting-rail and upper guard-rail when the latter is fixed rigidly in position to admit of such cans passing over the surface of the solder without contact with the supporting-rail, and therefore without the prescribed degree of immersion.

The adjustment of the burners with relation to the under side of the solder-trough is also of especial importance in an apparatus seer AVAILABLE Cup designed like ours for the treatment of sev.

eral sizes of cans, since the larger the cans treated the more heat and solder required, and vice versa.

hat we claim as our invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In can-end-solderii'ig apparatus, the combination of a rigid metallic base, a soldertrough formed with lateral flanges extending longitudinallyon either side above the bottom of the trough, a fire-box interposed between the flanges of said solder-trough and said rigid metallic base, and means for securing the parts named rigidly together, substantially as set forth. i

2. In can-end-sold ering apparatus, the combination of a rigid metallic base, a soldertrough formed with lateral flanges extending longitudinally on either side above the bottom of the trough,'a fire-box formed in sections interposed between the flanges of said soldertrough and said rigid metallic base, and means for securing the parts named rigidly together, substantially as set forth.

3. In can-end-soldering apparatus the combination of a rigid metallic base, a soldertrough formed with lateral flanges extending longitudinally on either side above the bottom of the trough, a fire-box interposed between the flanges of said solder-trough and said rigid metallic base, and bolts connectingthe flanges of the solder-trough with said metallic base whereby the parts named are rigidly secured together as and for the purpose set forth.

4. In can-endsoldering apparatus the com bination of a rigid metallic base, a soldertrough formed with lateral flanges extending longitudinally on either side above the bottom of the trough, a fire-box formed in sections interposed between theflanges of said soldertrough and said rigid metallic base, and bolts connecting the flanges of the solder-trough with said metallic base, whereby the parts named are rigidly secured together asand for the purpose set forth.

5. In can-end soldering apparatus, the combination of a rigid metallic base of channeliron, a flanged solder-trough, a fire-box interposed between said solder-trough and the web of the channel-iron, bolts connecting the flanges of the solder-trough with the web of the channel-iron whereby the parts named are secured rigidly together, and a series of burners supported on and under the web of the channel-iron and between its flanges and projecting up through the said web into the firebox, for the purpose set forth.

6. In can-end-soldering apparatus, thecombination of a rigid metallic base, a flanged solder-trough, a fire-box formed in sections interposed between the flanges of said soldertrough and said rigid metallic base, bolts connecting the flanges of the solder-trough with said rigid metallic base, a series of burners in said lire-box, and a supply and supporting tube for said burners mounted upon said rigid metallic base, substantially as and for the purpose described.

7. In can-end-solde-ring apparatus the combination of a rigid metallic base, a flanged soldertrough, a fire-box formed in sections interposed between the flanges of said soldertrough and said rigid metallic base, bolts connecting the flanges of the soldertrough with said rigid metallic base, aseries of burners in said fire-box, a supply and supporting tube to r said burners mounted upon said rigid metallic base, and means for effecting the adjustment of said supporting-tube vertically upon said metallic base for the purpose described.

8. In can-end-soldering apparatus, the combination of a rigid metallic base, a flanged solder-trough, a fire-box formed in sections interposed between the flanges of the said soldertrough and said rigid metallic base, bolts connecting the flanges of the solder-trough with said rigid metallic base, a series of burners in said fire-boxsupported upon a common supplypipe, said common supply pipe supported upon the said rigid metallic base, and a partition of refractory material in said fire-box interposed between the said solder-trough and the said rigid metallic base for the purpose set forth.

9. In can-end-soldering apparatus, the combination of a rigid metallic base of channeliron, a flanged solder-trough, aflre-box interposed between the said solder-trough and the web of the channel-iron, bolts connecting the flanges of the solder-trough with the web of the channel-iron whereby the parts named are secured rigidly together, a series of burners supported on and under the web of the channel-iron and between its flanges and projecting up through the said web into the fire-box, and means for adjusting said burners vertically with relation to the solder-trough.

10. In canend soldering apparatus, the combination of a rigid metallic base of channel-iron, a flanged solder-trough, a fire-box interposed between the said solder-trough and the web of the channel-iron, bolts connecting the flanges of the solder-trough with the web of the channel-iron whereby the parts named are secured rigidly together, a series of burners supported on and under the web. of the channel-iron and between its flanges and projecting up through the said web into the (i re box, and a partition of refractory material interposed between said web of the channel and the combustion-chamber, of the fire-box for the purpose set forth.

11. In can-end-soldering apparatus, a so]- dering-bath trough consisting of a plurality of sections formed with overlapping flanges secured together by bolts engaging the inner flanges and passing through bolt-holes formed in the outer flanges, said bolt-holes being formed of larger area than the area of the bolts in cross-section, for the purpose of compensating for the expansion and contraction of the sections of the trough.

12-. In can end soldering apparatus, the combination with a soldering-trough, and inflexible supporting-base of a fire-box madein sections, clamped rigidly between the said soldering-trough and the said inflexible base for the purpose set forth.

13. In canend soldering apparatus, the combination of a flanged solder-trough, a rigid base of channel-iron, a fire-box formed in sections, said sections of the fire-box being interposed between the flanges of the solder-trough and the web of the channel-iron, and bolts passing through the flanges of the soldertrough and through the web of the channeliron for the purpose of securing the parts rigidly together.

14. In can end soldering apparatus, the combination ofa flanged solder-trough,a rigid base of channel-iron, a fire-box formed in sections with overlapping edges, said sections of the fire box being interposed between the flanges of the solder-trough and the web of the channel-iron, and bolts passing through the flanges of the solder-trough and through I 4 the flanges of the solder-trough and through the web of the channel-iron for the purpose of securing the parts rigidly together.

16; In canend soldering apparatus, the combination of aflanged solder-trough, arigid base of channel-iron, a fire-box formed in sections interposed between the flanges of the solder-trough and the Web of the channel-iron, the front plates of said fire-box being formed with damper-openings, removable covers for said damper openings, and bolts passing through the flanges of the solder-trough and through the web of the channel-iron for the purpose of securing the parts rigidly together.

17 In canend soldering apparatus, the combination of a flanged solder-trough, a rigid base of channel-iron, a fire-box formed in sections interposed between the flanges of the solder-trough and the Web of the channel-iron, the rear plates of said fire-box being formed with a series of apertures for the escape of the products of combustion, and bolts passing through the flanges of the solder-trough and through the web of the channel-iron for the purpose of securing the parts rigidly together.

18. In can end soldering apparatus, the combination of aflanged solder-trough, a rigid base of channel-iron, a fire-box formed in secions with internal shoulders for the support f a partition, and between the flanges of the golder-trough and the web of the channel-iron, iaid partition supported on said internal shouliers and thereby interposed between the firehamber and the web of the channel-iron, and olts passing through the flanges of the solder- ]rough and through the web of the channeliron for the purpose of securing the parts rig- ,lly together.

19. In can end soldering apparatus, the lombination with the solder-trough and inleXible base of a fire-box formed of a series if plates held rigidly in position between said older-trough and said inflexible base, said lates being formed with internal shoulders or the support of a partition of refractory naterial, togetherwith said partition of re- ;ractory material, for the purpose set forth. I 20. In can-end-soldering apparatus, the iombination of a solder-trough, an inclined 'unway consisting of a plurality of sections :trranged longitudinally and successively in the ame plane parallel to the solder-bath with heir adjoining ends abutting each other osely for the purpose of compensating for ngitudinal expansion and contraction and to )revent the warping and buckling of the runay, and means for forwarding cans over said unway for the purpose set forth.

21. In can end soldering apparatus, the ombination of a solder-trough, an inclined unway consisting of a plurality of sections rranged longitudinally and successively in be same plane parallel to the solder-bath with heir adjoining ends loosely abutting to com- )ensatc for longitudinal expansion and con- :raction and prevent warping or buckling, beans for adjusting each section independfiitly with relation to the solder-bath, and cans for forwarding cans over said runway or the purpose set forth.

22. In can-end-soldering apparatus, the ombination of a solder-trough, an inclined :an-runway, an opposed can-end support coniisting of a plurality of sections arranged long-itudinally and successively in the same plane arallel to the solder-bath with their adjoinlng ends loosely abutting for the purpose of ,iompensating for longitudinal expansion or iontraction and to prevent warping or buc- :ling of the can-end support, and means for orwardingcans over said inclined runway and in contact with said can-end support.

23. In can-soldering apparatus, the combiation of asolder-trough, an inclined runway, in opposed can-end support consisting of a plurality of sections arranged longitudinally 'nd successively in the same plane parallel to he solder-bath with .their adjoining ends osely abutting for the purpose of compenating for longitudinal expansion and contracion and to prevent warping and buckling, beans for adjustingeach section of the can-end '7 BEST AVAILABLE c support independently with relation to the solder -bath, and means for forwarding cans over said inclined runway and in contact with said can-end support.

24:. In can end soldering apparatus, the

combination of the solder-trough, a can-supporting rail formed in sections independently secured to said solder-trough,a runway formed of sections independently secured to said solder-trough, means for adjusting the sections of the runway with relation to the sections of the can-supporting rail, means for adjusting the sections of the said can-supporting rail with relation to the sections of the runway, and means for forwarding cans over said supporting-rail and runway.

25. In can end -soldering apparatus, the combination with the solder-trough, of an inclined runway the lower edge of which is formed on its under side with an ant-iripple flange projecting into the solder-bath for the purpose set forth, and means for forwarding cans over said inclined runway.

26. In can -end soldering apparatus, the combination with the solder-trough S of the inclined runway R formed with the antiripple flange r upon its lower edge, for the purpose set forth, and means for forwarding cans over said runway.

27. In can -end soldering apparatus, the combination with the solder-trough, can-supporting rail and inclined runway, of a toppressure rail on the runway, said top-pressure rail being made in sections for the purpose set forth, and means for forwarding cans over said runway.

28. In can end soldering apparatus, the combination with the solder-trough, can-supporting rail and inclined runway, of a toppressure rail made in sections independently secured to said runway, means for adjusting said sections independently on said runway,

and means for forwarding cans over said runway.

29. In can end soldering apparatus, the combination with the solder-trough, can-supporting rail and inclined runway, of a toppressure rail on said runway, said top-pressure rail being suspended upon said runway by means which willallow it to yield under pressure, together with means for forwarding cans over said runway.

30. In can -end soldering apparatus, the combination with the solder-trough, can-supporting rail and inclined runway, of a toppressure rail upon said runway arranged to ITO act as a weight to force the cans against the which overlap the adjoining edges of the preceding plates, for the purpose set forth.

: to be engaged by the arms of the rollers to support the latter in absence of cans for the purpose set forth.

33. In can-end-soldering apparatus, the combination with a solder-trough, can-supporting rail, inclined runway, and broad flat can-forwarding belt and connections, of a plurality of pivotallysup )orted rollers arranged to trail upon the broad inner surface of the side of the forwarding-belt in contact with the cans, and a series of stops, one for each roller, arranged to limit the downward thrust of said rollers and in position to be engaged by the arms of the rollers to support the latter in the absence of cans for the purpose set-forth.

34:. In can-end-soldering apparatus, the combination of the solder-trough, can-supporting rail, inclined runway, can-forwarding belt and connections, a series of gravity-rollers pivotally connected with a horizontal bar common to all and arranged to trail upon the side of the forwarding-belt in contact with the cans, and means in position to be engaged by the arms carrying the rollers to support the latter in the absence of cans and means for adjusting said horizontal roller-supporting' bar both horizontally and vertically for the purpose set forth.

35. In can-end-soldering apparatus, the combination of the solder-trough, can-supporting rail, inclined runway, can-forwarding belt and connections, a series of pivotallysupported gravityrollers arranged to trail upon the side of the forwarding-belt in con porting rail, inclined run way, can-forwarding belt and connections, a series of pivotallysupported gravity-rollers arranged to trail upon the side of the forwarding-belt in con tact with the cans, and means in position to be engaged by the arms carrying the rollers to support the latter in the absence of cans and one or more tension weights or rolls arranged to bear against the upper portion of s sr AVAILABLE cos the forwarding-belt to counteract in part th weight of the said series of gravity-rollers for the purpose set forth.

37. In can endsoldcring apparatus, th combination of the solder-trough, can-sup porting rail, inclined runway, can-forwardin, belt and connections, of means, substantiall as herein described, for automatically feedin solder to the bath, and means for actuatin, said automatic solder-feed through the medi um of the cz in-forwarding mechanism, where by the feed of solder is governed by and rer dered proportionate to the speed of said car. forwarding mechanism, substantially in th manner and for the purpose set forth.

38. In can -cnd-soldering apparatus, th combination of the solder-trough, can-sup porting rail, inclined runway, can-forwardin; belt. and connections, and means actuated b; the can-forwarding mechanism for automat ically feeding solder to the bath, whereby tln feed of solder is governed by and rendere proportionate to the speed of the can-forward ing surface for the purpose of compensatin; for the solder taken up by the cans passin; over the bath under ordinary conditions 0 use, together with means for varying th amount of solder so fed automatically to th bath with relation to the size and require ments of the cans to be treated.

39. In can-end-soldering apparatus, th combination of the solder-trough, can-sup porting rail, inclined runway, can-forwarding belt and connections, and means for adjustin; the pulleys which support the forwarding belt both vertically and horizontally, for th' purpose described.

10. In can end -so1dering apparatus, th combination with the solder-trough, can-sup porting rail, inclined runway, can-forwardin; belt and connections, of a cam carried by th shaft of one of the forwarding-belt-supportin; pulleys, a rock-lever interposed in the patl; of the said cam, a spring-pawl on said rockf lever engaging a ratchet-wheel, said ratchet} wheel attached to a Windlass-shaft, said wind: lassshaft, a cord or equivalent attached t said Windlass-shaft and connected with a sol'i der-carrier, together with said carrier, wherq by at each rotation of the forwarder-belt pul ley, a prescribed amount of solder is fed t the bath, substantially as set forth.

41. In can-end-soldering apparatus, th combination with the solder-trough, can-sup porting rail, inclined runway, can-forwardin belt and connections, of a cam carried by th shaft of one of the forwarding-belt-supportin pulleys, a rock-lever interposed in the pat of said cam, a spring-pawl on said rock-leve engaging a ratchet-wheel, said ratchet-whee attached to a Windlass-shaft, said Windlass shaft, a cord or equivalent attached to saii Windlass-shaft and connected with a solder; carrier, said solder-carrier, and an adjustabl stop arranged to limit the retractile move ment of the said rock-lever for the purpose and substantially in the manner set forth.

&2. In can end -soldering apparatus, the

l combination with the solder-trough, can-supsaid cam, a spring-pawl on said. rock-lever engaging a ratchet-wheel, said ratchet-wheel at- 1 tached to a Windlass-shaft, said Windlass-shaft,

a cord or equivalent attached at one end to the said Windlass-shaft and at the other to a stationary support, a solder-carrier provided with a pulley, and one or -more supporting- I pulleys mounted upon fixed supports, the cord or equivalent means of suspensionpassing over the pulleys named, for the purpose and ,.m... Low; .4 v

substantially in the manner described.

43. In can-end -soldering apparatus, the combination with the solder-trough, can-supporting rail, inclined runway, can-forwarding belt and connections, of the belt-pulley j, cam f rock lever L spring-pawl Z, retractile spring Z ratchet-wheel n, shaft N, cord or equivalent q, one or more supporting-pulleys q, and solder-carriage. 'I connected with and actuated by said cord or equivalent, for the purpose and substantially in the manner described.

44. In can-end -soldering apparatus, the combination with the solder-trough, can-supporting rail, inclined runway, can-forwarding belt and connections, of the belt-pulley j, cam f, rock-lever L, spring-pawl Z, retractile spring Z ratchet-wheel n, shaft N, cord or equivalent q, means for winding said cord or equivalent uponthe Windlass-shaft N, one or more supporting-pulleys q, and solder-carrier '1 connected with and actuated by said cord or BESTAVAILABLE Cit-4' equivalent, for the purpose and substantially in the manner described.

45. In canend-soldering apparatus, the combination with the solder-trough, can-supporting rail, inclined runway, can-forwarding belt and connections, of the belt-pulleyj, cam 7' rock-lever L spring-pawl Z, retractile spring Z adjustable stop 0, ratchet-wheel a, shaft N, cord or equivalent 9, means for winding said cord or equivalent upon the Windlassshaft N, one or more supporting-pulleys q, and solder-carriage T connected with and actuated by said cord or equivalent, for the purpose and substantially in the manner described.

46. In can end soldering apparatus, the combination of a flanged solder-trough, a rigid metallic base, a fire-box formed in sections, said sections of the fire-box being interposed between the flanges of the solder-trough and the said rigid metallic base, and bolts passing through the flanges of the solder-trough and securing it and the said sections of the firebox to the said rigid metallic base for the purpose set forth.

4.7. In can end soldering apparatus, the combination of a flanged solder-trough, a rigid metallic base, a fire-box formed in sections with overlapping edges, said sections of the firebox being interposed betwen the flanges of the solder-trough and the said rigid metallic base, and bolts passing through the flanges of the solder-trough and securing it and the said sections of fire-box to the said rigid metallic base for the purpose described.

OLIN S. FELLOWS. ARCHIBALD E. HOPKINS. IVitnesses:

D. W. GARDNER, GEO. WM. MIATT. 

